Importance of Writing a Birth Plan

While this might seem like something for your wife to do, it's important that you, as a supporting cast member, be very involved in making the decisions now on how labor and delivery will unfold.

Some decisions must be your wife's alone, like whether to have an epidural or allow for an episiotomy, and in those cases, your role is to be supportive of her decision. But there are other decisions that may even fall uniquely to you as well.

Do you want to "catch" the baby as he comes out? Do you want to cut the umbilical cord (sometimes also an option for mom)? Some of these questions will be easier than others, but consider: Will you allow the staff to provide formula milk, which may interfere with the start of breastfeeding? Do you want your new baby to lie on mommy's chest as soon as possible after birth? Will you allow videos or photos taken during delivery? It is very important that you and mom-to-be write all these decisions down and discuss them openly so there is no difference of opinion in the delivery room, either with the hospital staff, and especially between you and your partner.

Make sure to provide a copy of this plan to your doctor and bring one to the hospital to put in your records.

Your spouse will soon be approaching her due date. The actual event of birth can always spring some surprises when you least expect them. Drawing up a birth plan that clearly lists your preferences and expectations will help you handle emergencies better.

These are some typical questions, the answers to which will help you draw up a birth plan. Some concern issues that require both you and your spouse to decide upon jointly. The others may be left for the mother alone to state her preferences-in consultation with her obstetrician if so required. Be ready to offer your suggestions if she asks for them, though.

Questions for mom and dad

• How would you prefer your baby's heartbeat to be monitored?
• Should you, as the dad, be the one to cut the umbilical cord?
• Will you opt for cord-blood banking for your baby?
• Would you want a pacifier for your baby after birth?
• Do you want your baby, if a boy, to be circumcised?

Questions only for mom

• Should the delivery take place at home, at a birth center, or in a hospital?
• Whom would she prefer to have around her during the delivery?
• Would she prefer to take medication to manage pain? If so, which?
• Should she be given fluids intravenously, or would she prefer to drink them orally?
• Would she prefer to have a mirror, in position before her, to enable her to see the baby being born?
• Would she prefer breastfeeding? If so, would she prefer to nurse immediately after delivery?
• Should your older children, if any, be present in the hospital after the delivery?
• How long would she prefer to stay in the hospital?

Everything You Need to Know About Child Support

Child support refers to the obligations, following divorce, of a noncustodial parent towards the upkeep of the child. Typically, child support takes the form of regular payments made by the non-custodial parent to the parent who has custody of the child.

What is the justification for child support?

In a sole custody, one parent is awarded the custody of the child. The custodial parent keeps the child, this being his or her contribution towards the upbringing of the child. The noncustodial parent, who usually has visiting rights to the child, fulfills his or her responsibility by contributing to the financial cost of maintaining the child.

What happens in case of joint custody?

In case of joint custody, child support is usually divided between both parents, usually based on how their individual incomes measure against the sum of their joint earnings, and on the amount of time the child stays with each parent.

How is the amount of child support decided?

Child support is typically calculated by taking into consideration the requirements needs of the . Individual states have, however, have formulated their own guidelines to calculate the amount, so that the actual amount may vary widely even in similar circumstances.

These factors are generally taken into consideration while calculating child support:

• The child's needs
• Ability of the parent to pay
• Standard of living of the child before the parents' divorce
• The custodial parent's needs

What happens if a parent cannot pay child support?

Usually a parent is expected to pay the sum due as child in keeping with the dates decided upon by the court. In case of a valid reason, such as altered financial conditions, a parent may approach the court with a request to modify the amount of child support. If granted, this will be applicable only to future payments. In this case, the judge will also order the parent to pay in full, any arrears, or overdue payments, immediately.

Every divorced dad has to carry his own grief and try to begin a new life again in the world. Remember that you are still a father. Taking care of your children during this crisis is your first priority.

Babies Respond to Angry and Happy Faces

A baby's social skills start to develop long before she can talk. So do her emotions. Babies quickly come to know emotions and to show them.

A four-month-old baby can tell a happy face when she sees it. And she can tell an angry face when she sees it. She is also aware of a face with no expression.

If there is a lot of yelling and screaming in the house, the noise and emotion will affect your baby.

Another step in learning social skills is that your baby will show when she is angry or sad. She'll do this when she doesn't get what she wants. Anger and sadness are normal. Even so, you don't want your baby to have any negative experiences that last a long time. Babies should have far more positive experiences than negative experiences.

Always be sure to comfort your baby quickly. It does more than provide relief. It also builds up the bond between you and your baby. Babies differ in how social they want to be. Some babies want almost constant time with others. Other babies want more "alone" time. However, it can be very harmful to a baby to leave her alone too much or ignore her.

You should always respond to your baby's needs. This attention will make her happier. Her ability to think and know is tied to her emotions. Babies who feel good are more alert. They are also more attentive and responsive. They learn better. They remember better, too.

Learning about other people starts at an early age. Relating with people also starts early. It is a good start when your baby learns to trust and enjoy her parents and others who take care of her. As newborn babies grow and develop, these are the various child development stages that they go through.

Holiday Tips for Divorced Dads

The Christmas and New Year season is almost upon us and many divorced dads are wondering how best keep to their kids happy without them feeling unhappily dragged from one parent to the other.

When the parents maintain a friendly, or at least professional, relationship it is easier to decide a good course of action mutually but when the opposite is true, everyone suffers, especially the children.

In a mature relationship, both parents would probably plan together what to do during the holiday season. For example, they would mutually agree to one parent having their kids full time at Christmas and the other full time at New Year.

This way, the children can look forward to receiving the undivided attention of both mom and dad over a defined period of time. Having the children over for lunch at mom's and then rushing off to dad's for an early dinner would subject them to a stressful feeling of being pulled apart at the seams. This kind of planning ahead lets everyone, especially the children, know what's coming and that it is in fact, something to look forward to.

On the other hand, a bad or immature relationship between divorced parents might involve, at the least, hasty decisions taken at the last minute when no one knows what to do or where to go until the last moment. Some parents even rush off for lunch at mom's and dinner at pop's resulting only in stress, and the lack of a more prolonged quality time for the children.

Planning is the secret for a divorced dad. Plan ahead, even the whole year, and everyone involved will be much happier. In fact, this may even end up as a happy family tradition.

Keeping the Passion Alive Post-Fatherhood

Most couples find that the passion in their relationship dies down as time goes by and once kids come along, it can be difficult to remember what the word means.

Insomniac babies, hyperactive toddlers who want their mom and dad out of bed by 06:00 and sheer exhaustion can put a real dampener on parents' sex lives, but couples are no longer accepting that it has to be this way.

Seattle PI notes that there is now a wealth of expert advice out there for keeping the spark alive after fatherhood, such as Douglas Brown's 'Just Do It: How One Couple Turned Off the TV and Turned On Their Sex Lives for 101 Days (No Excuses!)'.

The newspaper spoke to the author and he noted that many people have realized that "sex is important" after seeing their parents' marriages decline and fail once the romance was lost.

Meanwhile Kimberly Ford, the author of 'Hump: True Tales of Sex After Kids', notes that parents are aware that they cannot "have it all"; that juggling kids, work and a "white-hot sex life" is not always possible without a little extra effort.

Pamela Jordan, an associate professor in the department of family and child nursing at the University of Washington, suggested a few hints for couples to regain their mojo, beginning by taking care of themselves in terms of resting, exercising and eating healthily.

She also suggests that parents recognize the difficulties of spontaneous sex once kids are in the picture and schedule some time for intimacy.

Finally, Kimberley Ford told Seattle PI that parents should attempt to prioritize their sex life once in a while, rather than letting household chores, kids, or the latest baseball game take precedence.

In terms of when it is ok to recommence intercourse after the baby has been born, this depends on individual circumstances, but it has generally been recommended that couples wait for six weeks before putting this expert advice to good use.

Parenting Advice for Fathers Only

Anyone becoming a father for the first time is likely to be relatively clueless about what bringing up a baby involves and are faced with the task of learning a vast amount of information on everything from sleeping to vaccinations in a short amount of time

Although there is a plethora of books on the market to offer parenting advice, most have typically been aimed at mothers, leaving dads out in the cold.

That is now beginning to change however, with websites such as this one stepping in to help hapless fathers-to-be and baby books appearing that offer more male-centered advice.

John Port has just published the 'Caveman's Guide to Baby's First Year' along with his friend John Ralston and family physician Brian M Ralston, after the success of 'The Caveman's Guide to Pregnancy' in 2006.

He told the NY Daily News: "When it comes to pregnancy and to parenthood, men can be like deer in the headlights … we end up scratching our heads and not having a clue what to do. So many parenting guides are written from the woman's perspective that fathers are made to feel like Neanderthals."

As Ralston is a chef the new book offers plenty of nutritional recipes, as well as medical advice and general practical tips, all presented in a humorous and man-friendly format.

Dads wanting to get the low-down on raising kids without stealing their pregnant wife's literature could also consider 'The New Father: A Dad's Guide to the First Year' by Armin Brott or 'The Baby Bonding Book for Dads' by Jennifer Margulis and James di Properzio.

Experts also suggest that dads-to-be talk to other men who have been in their position, as pre-natal classes and advice are generally aimed at women.

Toddlers and Anemia

Anemia is a common blood disorder caused by a deficiency of red blood cells (RBCs) and is characterized by lack of vitality. It is estimated that around 7 percent of children in the United States experience anemia once by the age of 18 years. The most common cause of anemia in toddlers is iron deficiency.

Iron is important in the production of hemoglobin, which is a protein that primarily transports oxygen from the lungs to the different parts of the body. Iron also aids different brain functions. Insufficient intake of iron leads to a shortfall in hemoglobin production, leading to poor mental functioning and a feeling of tiredness.

Symptoms

The symptoms of anemia in babies include the following:

• Paleness
• Irritability
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heart rate
• Swelling of the hands and feet
• Enlarged spleen
• Dark urine

Anemic children may also show symptoms of jaundice though several infants display symptoms of jaundice without being anemic.

Treatment

Owing to the number of possible causes of anemia, it is necessary to first identify the cause of anemia in your child. If you notice any signs of anemia, immediately consult your family physician. The diagnosis of the disease may include a blood test that measures the red blood cells in the body.

Depending on the cause, the possible treatment options may vary and include:

• Iron supplements (tablets, drops, and liquid)
• Iron-rich diet
• Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements

However, it is important to consult a doctor before you administer any medicine or supplement to your child. For more severe forms of anemia, the treatment options may include:

• Blood transfusion
• Treatment of infection causing anemia
• Medications to maintain the level of red blood cells in the body

Help your Toddler Overcome Childhood Fears

Separation anxiety and bedtime fears are not the only bogeymen that plague toddlers. Simple things like loud and big moving objects, huge bodies of water, or friendly, approaching animals can trigger the fear button in children. Don't panic, scold, or ridicule them; remember it is a normal part of development.

While your children are dealing with exploring this new world, here is what you can do:

• Respect their feelings: Their fears are real to your children. If you berate or ignore them for being fearful, they will just stop telling you about them. Assure your children with understanding; do not drive them into a shell.

• Give them control: Children are afraid, as they feel powerless with regard to their fears. Talk to them and discuss these fears. Prepare them for the new things and unfamiliar situations. A feeling of being in-control will replace the fears that they have. If you are accompanying your kids to the zoo, for example, prepare them to meet and greet animals there, and face noisy crowds etc.

• Do not react adversely: One fallout of any fear episode is that you try to protect them from all new stimuli. DON'T! That is the worst possible reaction. Control your extreme parental instincts; guide your children around in the world and gently introduce them to the unknowns.

• Positive reinforcement: When your toddlers tide over any of their fears, reinforce the transition. From time to time, remind them of these achievements, so that winning over fears seems easy to them.

Fears are especially palpable to children in the dark and this may cause a lot of trouble at bedtime. During these moments, it is essential to be supportive - but the goal in the long run should be to help your toddlers develop the skills and confidence to work their fears out on their own.

How to Speak with Signs to Your Baby

Infants often use nonverbal gestures to communicate with their parents. Recent research has shown that very young children have the ability to understand language on a pre-verbal level. However, since their vocal abilities are not fully developed, they are unable to express their needs and desires.

Across the world, parents and teachers are increasingly teaching their infants sign language to help them indicate basic common needs such as hunger, thirst, tiredness, etc.

Some common myths associated with sign language are:

• Teaching sign language is time consuming. On the contrary, just a few sessions every day are sufficient to equip your baby with the necessary vocabulary.

• Children who sign are not intelligent. Research has found the opposite to be true. Babies that learned how to sign scored higher in IQ tests compared to babies that did not.

• Children who sign learn to speak later than others do. Again, this is not proven. In fact, some researchers believe that children who signed as babies tend to have richer vocabularies as they grow up.

Tips for teaching your baby sign language:

• Use a commonly accepted sign language such as the American Sign Language (ASL). The advantage of doing so is that other people, including babysitters and daycare employees, can communicate with your baby in your absence.

• Start with basic objects and actions such as "blanket," "more please," "food," and "water."

• Repetition and consistency are extremely important. Use the same set of gestures for the same objects. Repeat them regularly.

• Use positive association techniques. A "Good job!" or any other form of praise is important to help the child view sign language as a nice thing to do.

• Use a lot of eye contact.

• Avoid teaching the child too many words in too short a time.

How Can You Discipline Your Child Gently?

Well-behaved children are a joy to have around you. On the other hand, misbehaved children are a constant source of worry, trouble and unhappiness. Therefore, parents need to encourage good and balanced behavior in their children not only for their own benefit but also for the benefit of the children themselves and the society in which they are being brought up.

As children grow and explore newer activities, it becomes necessary to exercise at least some level of authority over them. Parents need to teach their toddlers to accept authority when it is communicated to them. The trick to disciplining your toddler is to be firm, yet gentle. Remember, you are doing it for your toddler’s good.

Here are some tips to help you discipline your toddler in a positive way without being harsh or cruel:

• Give clear directives: Leave no room for miscommunication while giving instructions to your child.

• Be practical: Be aware regarding what constitutes normal behavior at your child's age. Set realistic expectations based on this knowledge.

• Be committed: Stick by your words no matter what. If you are not consistent and or give in too easily, chances are your toddler will not take you seriously.

• Practice what you preach: If you routinely do something that you have defined as incorrect, your toddler will not understand why there are different rules for you. Make it a point to use "please" and "thank you" yourself, for instance, in order to get your child to use them. You may even give your toddler the chance to correct you if you do not follow the rules you make.

• Understand the mental level of your toddler: You need to explain the consequences of undisciplined behavior in a manner that is comprehensible to your child.

Find Ways to Pay for Medical Expenses During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be quite stressful. The extra expenses of prenatal care and preparing for the new baby are overwhelming for many women.

According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, your spouse and your baby deserve to be healthy and have consistent care. Financial aid and other programs are available for women in need and their babies. The following organizations can help your partner and your baby get medical care:

• State and local health departments - They can tell you what programs are available in your area. Ask about health insurance, medical care, and how you r family can qualify for this help.

• Local hospital or social service agencies - Ask to speak with a social worker on staff. She will be able to tell you where to go for help.

• Community clinics - Some areas have free clinics or clinics that provide free care to women in need.

• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program - This government program is available in every state. It provides help with food, nutritional counseling, and access to health services for women, infants and children.

• Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) - This program provides health insurance for children under age 18 in every state.

• Telephone book and Internet - These resources may have information on programs in your area.

Women in every state can get help to pay for medical care during their pregnancies. This prenatal care can help your family have a healthy baby. Every state in the United States has a program to help. Programs give medical care, information, advice and other services important for a healthy pregnancy.

To find out about the program in your state:

• Call 1-800-311-BABY (1-800-311-2229) This toll-free telephone number will connect you to the Health Department in your area code

• Call or contact your local Health Department.

Problems in Digestion During Pregnancy

Constipation

Many pregnant women complain of constipation. According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, high levels of hormones in your spouse's pregnant body slow down digestion and relax muscles in the bowels leaving many women constipated. Plus, the pressure of the expanding uterus on the bowels boosts the chances for constipation.

Try these tips to help her stay more regular:

• Add fiber-rich foods like fresh or dried fruit, raw vegetables, and whole-grain cereals and breads daily to her diet
• Get her to drink eight to ten glasses of water everyday
• Tell her to avoid caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, colas, and some other sodas), since caffeine makes her body lose fluid needed for regular bowel movements
• Get her moving. Mild exercise like walking may also ease constipation.

Heartburn and Indigestion

Almost every pregnant woman experiences indigestion and heartburn. Hormones and the pressure of the growing uterus cause this discomfort. Pregnancy hormones slow down the muscles of the digestive tract. So food tends to move more slowly and digestion is sluggish. This causes many pregnant women to feel bloated.

According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, hormones also relax the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. This allows food and acids to come back up from the stomach to the esophagus. The food and acid causes the burning feeling of heartburn. As the baby gets bigger, the uterus pushes on the stomach, making heartburn more common in later pregnancy.

Try these tips to help your partner prevent and ease indigestion and heartburn:

• Avoid greasy and fried foods in her diet
• Make sure she eats six to eight small meals instead of three large meals
• Take care she doesn't gain more than the recommended amount of weight
• Allow her to only take small sips of milk or eat small pieces of chipped ice to soothe burning
• Make sure she eats slowly
• Ask your doctor if she can take an antacid medicine

Guiding Your 6 Months Old Active Baby

At the age of six months, your baby is more active than in past months. Because she gets around more, it's a good idea to make your home safe for your baby. Put all cleaning supplies, medicines, poisons and sharp objects where your baby can't get to them. Be sure that everyone who cares for your baby knows how to keep her safe.

Sometimes she will reach for things she shouldn't. She may pull at your jewelry. She may try to eat a piece of paper. A baby this young does not need to be punished. She is exploring her world. You need to gently control what she does so she will be safe. She will also know that you are in charge. Be with your baby as she explores her world.

At this age, your baby is not doing things to upset you on purpose. She learns by trying new things. She doesn't know the limits. She needs you to show her what is okay and what is not okay for her to do. She needs you to show her in a loving way.

Always check on your baby when she cries to be sure that she is okay. Never leave her alone. Always watch your baby's activities. Praise her and hug her when she is doing things you like.

Let her know when she is doing something you don't want her to do. If she starts to yank out an electrical cord, or if she spills out the contents of a purse, speak to her in a warm but firm voice. You don't need to raise your voice. Gently take her hand away and give her a toy. Maybe she'll be too close to the hot stove. Maybe she'll try to grab something that could break. Gently pick her up and move her away from the thing she shouldn't touch.

Do you think that your baby is too young for you to enjoy interacting with him? Think again. There is a lot you can do, using baby sign language, that will be fun for both of you. Additionally, it will also have a beneficial effect on your baby's development.

Christmas Toasts for Dads

As the head of the family, you are at the heart of Christmas celebrations. The family sits down for the cozy Christmas dinner, with anticipation and cheer, looking up to you as you raise your glass to a toast. This is the time where you rise to the occasion, and deliver words that are memorable, and will set forth a tradition for generations to follow.

Here are some famous, time-tested toasts which you could consider for the evening:

Joy, Joy (Scottish Christmas Toast)

May God shower joy upon us, my dear family.
Christmas brings us all good things.
God give us grace to see the New Year;
and if we do not increase in numbers
may we at all events not decrease.

On Happiness

Wishing you more happiness
Than all my words can tell,
Not just alone for Christmas
But for all the year as well.

On Peace and Prosperity

Peace and plenty for many a Christmas to come. (Irish Christmas Blessing )

May peace and plenty be the first
To lift the latch to your door,
And happiness be guided to your home
By the candle of Christmas.

For a long life

May you live as long as you Wish,
And have all you Wish or long as you live.
This is my Christmas Wish for You.

Find Your Style of Parenting

There are many ideas about how to rear children. Some parents adopt the ideas their own parents used. Others get advice from friends. Some read books about parenting. Others take classes offered in the community. No one has all the answers. However, psychologists and other social scientists now know what parenting practices are most effective and are more likely to lead to positive outcomes for children.

Ideas about child rearing can be grouped into three styles. These are different ways of deciding who is responsible for what in a family.

Authoritarian

Authoritarian parents always try to be in control and exert their control on the children. These parents set strict rules to try to keep order, and they usually do this without much expression of warmth and affection. They attempt to set strict standards of conduct and are usually very critical of children for not meeting those standards. They tell children what to do, they try to make them obey and they usually do not provide children with choices or options.

Authoritarian parents don't explain why they want their children to do things. If a child questions a rule or command, the parent might answer,"Because I said so." Parents tend to focus on bad behavior, rather than positive behavior, and children are scolded or punished, often harshly, for not following the rules.Children with authoritarian parents usually do not learn to think for themselves and understand why the parent is requiring certain behaviors.

Permissive

Permissive parents give up most control to their children. Parents make few, if any, rules, and the rules that they make are usually not consistently enforced. They don't want to be tied down to routines. They want their children to feel free. They do not set clear boundaries or expectations for their children's behavior and tend to accept in a warm and loving way, however the child behaves.

Permissive parents give children as many choices as possible, even when the child is not capable of making good choices. They tend to accept a child's behavior, good or bad, and make no comment about whether it is beneficial or not. They may feel unable to change misbehavior, or they choose not to get involved.

Democratic or authoritative

Democratic parents help children learn to be responsible for themselves and to think about the consequences of their behavior. Parents do this by providing clear, reasonable expectations for their children and explanations for why they expect their children to behave in a particular manner. They monitor their children's behavior to make sure that they follow through on rules and expectations. They do this in a warm and loving manner. They often, "try to catch their children being good" and reinforcing the good behavior, rather than focusing on the bad.

For example, a child who leaves her toys on a staircase may be told not to do this because, "Someone could trip on them and get hurt and the toy might be damaged." As children mature, parents involve children in making rules and doing chores: "Who will mop the kitchen floor, and who will carry out the trash?"

Parents who have a democratic style give choices based on a child's ability. For a toddler, the choice may be "red shirt or striped shirt?" For an older child, the choice might be "apple, orange or banana?" Parents guide children's behavior by teaching, not punishing. "You threw your truck at Mindy. That hurt her. We're putting your truck away until you can play with it safely."

Which is your style?

Maybe you are somewhere in between. Think about what you want your children to learn. Research on child development shows that the most positive outcomes for children occur when parents use democratic styles. Children with permissive parents tend to be aggressive and act out, while children with authoritarian parents tend to be compliant and submissive and have low self-esteem. No parenting styles will work unless you build a loving bond with your child.

Playdate Rules for Dads

As your child hits four or five, playdates become more common. Many people treat a playdate casually with no set rules and just a loose idea of pickup and drop-off times. But, if you want your playdates to be in demand, consider this list of tips to make this a playdate to be remembered for all the right reasons.

1. If you're the organizer, set up times that work for the other family but don't cramp your other plans. The key here is to communicate clearly. If a specific time won't work, speak up and make your limits known. Plan extra time to arrive promptly for pickups so that other families can get on with the rest of their schedule.

2. Write up a list of contact and emergency numbers that you can easily give to playdate parents. It's easy to make up a stack of these to have on hand. Include any allergies or medications that might be important.

3. If you're the host, be clear on what you'll be providing during the playdate. If you have lunch covered, mention it to other families so you can clear any allergies or food issues. The best dads will have a healthy snack planned and extra points if the meal is something other than pizza or mac ‘n cheese.

4. Don't show movies or allow television during playdates. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule (sleepovers, for example), but in general, most parents don't like to send someone over for a playdate that is just for TV-watching. Avoid movies unless you are very clear on the movie title or type of movie to be shown. You don't want to be the host for the first time little Johnny hears about sex or murder in the PG-rated film you let them watch. Different parents have different tolerances here.

5. Make sure you're clear who will be watching the kids. If you have to go out and it will be your babysitter or other family member watching, make sure to mention that. No parent wants to find out in an emergency that you aren't actually the one watching the kids when they call.

As a dad, you might be held to a higher standard than for other moms. You can make sure your child will have more than his or her share of playdates if you go beyond the call of duty to make sure playdates are a simple, issue-free event.

Holiday Custom Gift Ideas for Christmas

With the holiday season just around the corner, you start racking your brains to think of the right gifts to buy for your family and friends. You want people to appreciate the thought that goes into choosing the gift? Try custom holiday gifts.

You know your dad loves books and you can never go wrong if you choose the topper on the New York Times bestseller list. The Amazon Kindle may be good choice of custom holiday gifts for him this year. The Kindle is an electronic handheld reading device that you use to read a book and store books like a library for future reading. How about buying an Amazon Kindle for your dad this year and ordering his must-read book through Kindle?

Perfumes, bath and spa products, gift baskets with gourmet food and chocolates, you have given them all to your spouse or your mom and now you are looking for something different. Why not make a custom gift basket of your own? Collect her favorite scented bubble bath and perfume, add a bottle of wine and lovely candles, an iPod loaded with her favorite music or the latest book by a favorite author and a gift voucher at a spa to pamper herself.

Looking for a gift for a child who is too young to take care of pets or has a parent with an allergy? Stuffed toys don't excite you? How about an alive pet from the Discovery store? It responds to touch and falls into sleep if left alone for five minutes. Customize the gift by adding a monogrammed toy bag adding the child's favorite fruit and cookies to the basket. Creative craft supplies and building blocks, music CDs and DVDs of favorite films are easy to customize holiday gifts for children, based on their individual talents, tastes and preferences.

Custom holiday gifts make a lasting impact at Christmas because the receiver understands and appreciates the thought, the time and the effort that you have invested to ensure that your recipient is pleased with the gift.

Avoid Making Mealtime a Battleground

Battles over food often occur when parents are too concerned about what, how much and when their children eat. Avoid making mealtime a battleground. Your baby is testing his independence. This means that he'll try to do things his way-not yours. Relax and accept your baby's unusual food choices. As he matures, your baby will follow your lead more easily.

• Don't insist on eating foods in a certain order. Resist saying dessert is a treat for "plate cleaners" only. This power struggle makes dessert more desirable to your 11-month-old.

• Instead, serve a nutritious and balanced meal. Let your baby eat it in whatever order he chooses.

• Don't restrict food combination. If your baby wants to dip his toast in pudding or mix his spinach with rice, let him. He's trying out new tastes. He's eating nutritious food. Try to respect his harmless investigation.

• Don't force your baby to eat. For example, carrots are an important part of a baby's diet. But even a healthy food like a carrot is not worth a battle. Offer him a choice of healthy foods. Follow his cues about when he has had enough.

Eating too little?

Do you think your baby is not eating enough? Relax. Offer nutritious foods at regular times in a pleasant atmosphere. No baby will starve himself! To reassure yourself, check these points.

• Look at his growth. Check the growth chart at his next visit with the doctor. Is the upward curve on the weight and height chart steady? If so, he's eating enough.

• Look at his energy level. Is he moving around all day? Does he sleep well and wake happy? Is he interested in new things? If he's active, he's eating enough.

• Look at his milk intake. Is he breastfeeding eagerly or drinking 24 to 32 ounces of formula a day? If so, most of his nutritional needs are being met.

Using a cup

Weaning is a gradual process. It moves babies from a bottle or breastfeeding to drinking from a cup. For bottle-fed babies, weaning to a cup usually happens around a baby's first birthday.

Now that your baby is feeding himself, it's a good time to offer a cup with his meals. Using a cup with two handles will improve your baby's coordination skills. Gradually substitute a cup for the bottle at the noon meal. Once your baby adjusts to that, do the same at the morning meal.

The evening bottle will probably be the last to go. Your baby is used to the bedtime bottle as a comfortable, secure ritual. Try substituting water in the bottle for the formula. Then just offer your baby a cup of water before bed. If you continue to hold and cuddle at bedtime, weaning will go more smoothly.

Playground Safety Tips

Try to watch over your child closely as much as you can when your child is in the playground. If you can't, have someone trusted to keep a watch on your child. Ensure that he's never unattended at a playground. For example, your child may enjoy swinging fast, but you need to be around to help him slow down and get off the swing. If there are too many kids in the playground, select a lesser crowded spot. This will help you keep track of your child's activities easily, and you can keep a watch on him without being too interfering.

Look out for sharp points, corners, or edges on equipment. These can cut or puncture the skin. The corners should be rounded, and metal edges should be rolled or have rounded capping. Wood parts should be smooth and splinter-free. Some metal surfaces, like slides, can heat up enough on hot, sunny days, and may burn the skin.

Beware of openings. Children may get their heads or feet stuck in them. Slats and metal bars should be spaced too far apart for a young child to get his head caught in or too close to each other to fit his feet through. Cargo nets pose the hazard of entrapment.

Watch out for cables, wires, or ropes. Children might trip over and fall. They should be brightly colored so that they are easily spotted by children, or should be placed at an area farther from playing children. Remove any large or sharp rock, and tree roots jutting out.

Check to see if the equipment is anchored securely to the ground, including handrails, ladders, and steps.

Test surfaces for hardness. Hard surfaces pose the risk of a head injury or fractures. Safe surfaces are made of shock-absorbing materials, such as mulch, wood chips, sand, fine gravel, and rubber matting materials.